Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a budget-friendly benchtop jointer since I have a ton of lumber, especially cedar fence pickets, that I need to square and flatten for various projects. My budget is tight because I also need to get a planer, router, and more tools, so I really want to keep costs under $500. I've seen some options from WEN, Harbor Freight, and Grizzly, but I'm more interested in hearing actual experiences from people. If you've used any of these or other affordable jointers, I'd love to know what you think. Thanks a ton for any advice you can share!
1 Answer
Honestly, I'd advise against getting a benchtop jointer. They're not the best for boards longer than 4 feet. If you're set on that budget, consider looking for a full-size jointer second-hand; you can probably find one for around $500 with a 6-inch capacity. You might regret buying a benchtop in the long run!
Any ideas for alternatives besides a jointer? I've heard some use a router table for squaring edges. I just need to square a ton of pieces, and hand tools would take forever!